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SCOPE Magazine

It’s Time to Explore Orlando By Night at the Science Center

First and Third Saturday Evenings of the Month, beginning December 3

Crosby Observatory and Planetarium Shows Available until February 18

Orlando, FL – December 2, 2011 – The silver-domed Crosby Observatory atop the Orlando Science Center opened for seasonal sky-watching last month and continues every first and third Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. until Saturday, February 18. In addition, a planetarium show has now been added to the schedule so guests will explore the galaxy and then check out their place in the universe through one of the state’s largest refractor telescopes.

Peer through the powerful, 10-inch lens of the refractor telescope to view visible moons and planets and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas and more. Astronomy experts and volunteers will be on hand to make sure you get the best view possible. The observatory will be accessible from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the following Saturday evenings: December 3 and 17, January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18. Visitors can witness the wonders of the night sky as they observe moons, planets and other astronomical events.

In addition, guests can now experience a live planetarium show in the Dr. Phillips CineDome during their visit. Orlando By Night features the seasonal sky over Orlando with astronomy presenters identifying the constellation groupings hovering over the City Beautiful. They will also entertain visitors with legends related to constellations, including Orion the Hunter and the lovely Pleides. Discover how to let the stars be your guide by learning how to read the night sky. Orlando By Night will be presented on observatory nights at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Orlando By Night combined with stargazing in the Crosby Observatory offers a stellar experience for amateur astronomers of all ages. Enjoy this star-studded evening for only $10 for everyone (regular admission is usually $17 for adults, $12 kids). These tickets provide access to the observatory and the planetarium show only (the rest of the Science Center will be closed during sky-watching hours). This experience is free for Science Center members. The observatory-only admission fee of $7 is no longer available.

For more information on the Orlando Science Center or observatory hours, please visit www.osc.org or call 407.514.2000. Got a question of a celestial nature? Call our Astronomy Q&A Hotline at 407.514.2051. Want to know what’s going on in the sky above Orlando? Call the Astronomy Info Hotline at 407.514.2088 for a recorded update on the sights overhead.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER, A FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH2342), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.